Pittsburgh Calls Out Troops For Storm; National Guard To Help With Emergencies
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Posted: 5:31 pm EST February 8, 2010Updated: 7:02 pm EST February 9, 2010
PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh has literally called out the troops for the second snowstorm. The National Guard is in the city and ready to help with emergencies.Humvees will do double duty Tuesday, acting as snowmobiles and ambulances for the next 48 hours.About 300 National Guard members will be assisted by police and firefighters. They’ll patrol neighborhoods and answer calls.
VIDEO:
Pittsburgh Calls Out Troops For Storm
Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl held a news conference Monday to update residents on the snow situation in Pittsburgh.Ravenstahl first encouraged Pittsburgh drivers to not get behind the wheel unless they absolutely have to. He then gave an update on help, equipment and emergency phone lines.About 80 pieces of equipment are being used to clear Pittsburgh streets, according to Ravenstahl. Sixty-one belong to the city. Ten were provided by Allegheny County and another 10 came from outside contractors.The city asks any outside contractors that have equipment available to remove trees and snow from the streets to call 412-473-2550. He said the city appreciates any help they can get.A 311 response line is open. The city has upped the staff after the lines were jammed over the weekend and on Monday.City officials said Tuesday that most of Pittsburgh's primary and secondary roads were treated before the second snowstorm hit the area.Some Beechview residents said their streets haven't been touched.“This is ridiculous,” said resident Tina Christian. “They don’t care about us on this street.”Rhonda Wicks said she has been calling the city since Saturday and wants a plow to go through once.“No one can get out, and we can’t get anywhere,” said Wicks.Councilman Doug Shields called on all Pittsburgh residents to lend a helping hand by coming together to shovel out elderly residents and fire hydrants.Shields added that the work done has been strenuous on the crews."Our workers are tired," said Shields. "The additional work is a strain. We're making sure our workers are adequately rested."
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VIDEO:
Pittsburgh Calls Out Troops For Storm Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl held a news conference Monday to update residents on the snow situation in Pittsburgh.Ravenstahl first encouraged Pittsburgh drivers to not get behind the wheel unless they absolutely have to. He then gave an update on help, equipment and emergency phone lines.About 80 pieces of equipment are being used to clear Pittsburgh streets, according to Ravenstahl. Sixty-one belong to the city. Ten were provided by Allegheny County and another 10 came from outside contractors.The city asks any outside contractors that have equipment available to remove trees and snow from the streets to call 412-473-2550. He said the city appreciates any help they can get.A 311 response line is open. The city has upped the staff after the lines were jammed over the weekend and on Monday.City officials said Tuesday that most of Pittsburgh's primary and secondary roads were treated before the second snowstorm hit the area.Some Beechview residents said their streets haven't been touched.“This is ridiculous,” said resident Tina Christian. “They don’t care about us on this street.”Rhonda Wicks said she has been calling the city since Saturday and wants a plow to go through once.“No one can get out, and we can’t get anywhere,” said Wicks.Councilman Doug Shields called on all Pittsburgh residents to lend a helping hand by coming together to shovel out elderly residents and fire hydrants.Shields added that the work done has been strenuous on the crews."Our workers are tired," said Shields. "The additional work is a strain. We're making sure our workers are adequately rested."
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